Pioneer Axe, Boarding Axe, Fire Axe or Something Else ?

drac2k · 19th March 2024, 10:01 PM

Not quite sure what this is; my first guess would be a Pioneer Axe or a Fire Axe.
I'm assuming that it is European.

CutlassCollector · 20th March 2024, 11:17 AM

I would tend to agree.
I have not seen one like this before but it is similar to other European fire axes from the days when firefighters all carried their own personal hatchets. Do you have measurements?

The slots in both sides of the spike are interesting and seem unlikely to be purely decorative. They may indicate it was an axe for another purpose as there are many axe variations for different trades.

regards,
CC

drac2k · 20th March 2024, 08:49 PM

17.5" tall(wooden shaft),the axe head is 9" long and the blade is 2.5".If it is a fire axe, I believe it to be for marine use. do you agree?

CutlassCollector · 21st March 2024, 01:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drac2k

17.5" tall(wooden shaft),the axe head is 9" long and the blade is 2.5".If it is a fire axe, I believe it to be for marine use. do you agree?

Ok. So that probably makes it a little on the large size for a personal belt carried hatchet.

I have looked through the books that I have that include axes - Salaman, Kauffman and even Neumann - but have found no clue to explain the grooves on the spike.
The secure fixing of the head with wedge and langets, which are too short to be defensive, suggests a hard working tool.

Tool, fire axe, trench axe? I can only guess.

drac2k · 21st March 2024, 03:51 PM

Thanks for your input, it is always valued.

C4RL · 21st March 2024, 07:43 PM

I have three fire hatchets, two antique & one modern, the spikes are tapered on all three.

My guess is your spike is for puncturing & the "fullers" are to let pressure escape, but like I say it's just a guess based on fighting knife fullers.

The strapped head is very typical on old hatchets & hammers, especially if they were expected to see any prying.

Very nice hatchet.

drac2k · 22nd March 2024, 01:07 PM

Good call C4RL;I was thinking maybe a blood groove, but your theory makes much more sense.

19th March 2024, 10:01 PM	#1
drac2k Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 1,174	Pioneer Axe, Boarding Axe, Fire Axe or Something Else ? Not quite sure what this is; my first guess would be a Pioneer Axe or a Fire Axe. I'm assuming that it is European. Attached Images

20th March 2024, 11:17 AM	#2
CutlassCollector Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Scotland Posts: 321	I would tend to agree. I have not seen one like this before but it is similar to other European fire axes from the days when firefighters all carried their own personal hatchets. Do you have measurements? The slots in both sides of the spike are interesting and seem unlikely to be purely decorative. They may indicate it was an axe for another purpose as there are many axe variations for different trades. regards, CC

20th March 2024, 08:49 PM	#3
drac2k Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 1,174	17.5" tall(wooden shaft),the axe head is 9" long and the blade is 2.5".If it is a fire axe, I believe it to be for marine use. do you agree?

21st March 2024, 03:51 PM	#5
drac2k Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 1,174	Thanks for your input, it is always valued.

21st March 2024, 07:43 PM	#6
C4RL Member Join Date: Sep 2023 Posts: 39	I have three fire hatchets, two antique & one modern, the spikes are tapered on all three. My guess is your spike is for puncturing & the "fullers" are to let pressure escape, but like I say it's just a guess based on fighting knife fullers. The strapped head is very typical on old hatchets & hammers, especially if they were expected to see any prying. Very nice hatchet.

22nd March 2024, 01:07 PM	#7
drac2k Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 1,174	Good call C4RL;I was thinking maybe a blood groove, but your theory makes much more sense.